Male student to finish senior year as girl at South Panola

JACKSON — A male Mississippi high school student is drawing attention after deciding to finish his senior year dressing as a girl.

The American Civil Liberties Union says it is working with the South Panola High School student to ensure a smooth transition in the early stages of gender transformation.

ACLU Mississippi Legal Director Bear Atwood on Wednesday identified the student only as “Leah.” Atwood says a few parents voiced concern, but most students are supportive.

Mike Foster, interim superintendent of South Panola School District, says officials will “follow what the law says” in protecting students’ constitutional rights to dress in accordance with the gender in which they identify.

Foster says about a dozen students have protested by not following the school’s dress code, but he said there hasn’t been much controversy.